In conditions better suited to cricket than football, just 15 seconds had elapsed as Paulton forward Kitan Jaiyeoba picked up the ball on the left, cut inside two Nailsea defenders and curled a sublime shot beyond the startled Jakob Glover in the opposition net. It was a remarkable goal.

But Nailsea soon responded and Dan Jackson, the Paulton goalkeeper, was forced to make a fine save from a fierce strike by Charlie Saunders. Throughout the early stages, Rovers had the upper hand and Will Osbourne sent a terrific cross field pass to Jaiyeoba who worked the ball along the goal line, only for the ball to be smothered. Then from another Rovers attack, Corey Rawlings forced a corner which was headed clear only as far as that man Jaiyeoba who fired just over the Nailsea bar.

Dan McBeam was becoming more influential in midfield for Rovers showing drive, imagination and skill, while captain Jack Dancey, Josh Ford and Braden Humphries all looked composed and stylish, sending raking passes to front runners Will Hailston and Rawlings. Ford and Dancey both went close with headers.

Nailsea were not out of it though and Oscar Collins and Saunders were combining well, creating chances. But then, in the 41st minute, Dan McBeam benefitted from some fine play between Rawlings and Hailston to drive the ball into the back of the Nailsea net to double Paulton’s advantage. The first half ended with McBeam and Jaiyeoba interlinking well, the latter’s shot going over the bar.
Half Time 2 – 0.

In the second half Nailsea were more progressive in their approach and begin to create some chances. A chipped shot was easily fielded by Jackson, then Luke Osgood was caught narrowly offside as he threatened to break through. Rovers seemed to reassert themselves though, as defender Jack Farion showed some great persistence down the right, resulting in a bullet header from Ford that can only have missed by inches. Substitute Dan Cottle sent a snap shot into the side netting.

Nailsea, though continued to press and Harry Walker sent a free kick dangerously close, while centre forward Lucas Vowles was just short of reaching a long ball from defence. Then, after 74 minutes, the referee awarded the Nailsea a penalty, seemingly for a high boot from a Paulton defender. Vowles struck the spot kick firmly to reduce the arrears. Immediately, the same Nailsea player seemed certain to equalise but Jackson produced a miraculous save.

Then, in a frantic finish and after 88 minutes following some fine leftwing play, Luke Osgood hooked the ball past Paulton goalie Jackson to equalise for Nailsea. Their joy was short lived though as from McBeam’s injury time corner, the ball was headed back across goal for Will Osbourne to nod in from close range to give the advantage back to Rovers.

And there was still time for Nailsea’s Tyler Manning to cannon a fine shot off the Paulton crossbar.

Goodness me! The Paulton faithful’s nerves were shredded, but the Rovers players had shown a togetherness which promises well for the coming campaign.

Man of the match – Dan McBeam – probing runs and incisive play